Barrel-chested, masked fighters exemplifying the eternal
struggle between good and evil have held reign in popular Mexican culture for
decades. But, the appeal for lucha libre knows no border.

Fusionarte has discovered a healthy appetite for the high-energy,
theatrical wrestling style with crossover audiences right here in the
Northwest. The Portland-based collective,
founded in 2006 to promote Latin American arts and culture, has launched a new
film series that feeds this interest.

In its inaugural season, Cinescopio
has chosen to highlight some of the better known and widely loved Santo
films from the 60s. In them, the mythic
Mexican wrestler battles mummies, vampires, mad scientists and aliens to save
the world and rescue the girl.

Aiming to infuse a deeper cultural understanding of the
sport and its place in the hearts of many Latinos, Cinescopio has paired these campy originals with either the
documentary Viva Lucha Libre or followed them up with curated panel discussions.

Lopez says that members of Fusionarte already have been discussing
with contacts at the Mexican Consulate in Portland possible themes for next
winter's series.

Meanwhile, proceeds from this year's Cinescopio will go to fund another of Fusionarte's
projects - a student leadership program incorporating the arts. "We hope to
help kids embark on art as a career," Lopez says. "Diversity in the arts
doesn't happen over night."